Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his strike and returned to Al Nassr after the club secured full financial backing for staff salaries and restored the authority of its executive sporting leadership.
Cristiano Ronaldo has rejoined Al Nassr training, ending a high-stakes boycott that saw the legendary forward miss consecutive matches.
The resolution followed successful negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to settle overdue salaries for club employees.
While he will miss Wednesday’s AFC Champions League Two clash against Arkadag in Turkmenistan, Ronaldo is slated to return Saturday against Al Fateh.
The protest was fueled by dissatisfaction with the PIF’s investment strategy, specifically the perceived preferential treatment of rivals Al Hilal following their January signing of Karim Benzema.
Tensions peaked as Ronaldo demanded equal backing for Al Nassr. Beyond sporting grievances, his firm stance on unpaid staff wages has been hailed as a significant show of leadership, reinforcing his moral authority within the Riyadh-based club.
Al Nassr’s management has now been stabilized, with the “freeze” on powers held by CEO José Semedo and sporting director Simo Coutinho officially lifted.
Coach Jorge Jesus, who supported Ronaldo’s boycott, will also return to the dugout. Currently sitting second in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr aims to use this renewed internal harmony to close the one-point gap on league leaders Al Hilal.